SummaryLast night, Channel 4 News reported that Service personnel face an 'alternative justice system' of summary hearings heard by commanding officers. | And The Times reports that MPs have called for an independent body to be created to tackle complaints about bullying and harassment in the military. | The Telegraph carries a letter from retired senior officers calling for the Government to increase Defence spending. | The Times reports that a promise made by Foreign Secretary William Hague to give the House of Commons a veto over proposed military action is now in doubt. | The Independent reports that Alfie Fripp, the oldest surviving British prisoner of war, has died aged 98. | Various media report that former Southampton City Council Leader Royston Smith has told an inquest into the death of Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux how he wrestled gunman Able Seaman Ryan Donovan to the floor aboard nuclear submarine HMS Astute in April 2011. | Various media report that SAS sniper Danny Nightingale has begun a legal fight to overturn his conviction for illegally keeping a pistol.

Royal Marines of Bravo Company, 40 Commando, have been out patrolling Helmand's Nahr-e Saraj district to disrupt insurgent activity in the surrounding area. In this picture, a Royal Marine gets some 'scran' after patrolling in the Tor Ghai area of central Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. [Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Rhys O'Leary, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Army's disciplinary and complaints procedureThe Times has criticised the Army's disciplinary and complaints procedure. Whilst the MOD cannot comment on individual cases we can be clear that the Army is committed to treating all of its soldiers fairly and transparently.

It is only right that those who understand the military best are in charge of the disciplinary process; a point made by Lord Dannatt in The Times today. He argued that the military should have their own form of criminal justice system and that he believed the system was fair.

Commanding Officers are provided with guidelines on the punishments they can award at a summary hearing, taking into account the nature of the offence and aggravating and mitigating factors, and, following the hearing, personnel have 14 days in which to appeal against the finding or punishment awarded at the hearing through a Service Appeal Court. A judge advocate presides over the court and ensures that the proceedings are conducted in accordance with the law.

The Service Complaints Commissioner provides vital independent oversight of the complaints system to ensure it operates as effectively and efficiently as possible. Rather than acting as an Ombudsman after an event, the Commissioner is able to contribute while complaints are still active. To reduce delays, the Commissioner's role is being strengthened, and she will be able to raise any concerns direct with the chain of command. We continue to look for, and implement, ways to improve the complaints system.

An Irish Wolfhound puppy called Domhnall is the new regimental mascot for the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. Based at Mons Barracks in Aldershot, Hampshire, the five-month-old is already training for the moment he dons a special silver collar and a scarlet tunic to join the guardsmen in their ceremonial role at occasions such as the Queen's Birthday Parade. Click here to read more. [Picture: Corporal Steve Blake, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

Afghan former prime minister's verbal attack on Prince HarryThe Telegraph today included an interview with former prime minister of Afghanistan under the Mujahedeen, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. In the article, the founder and leader of the country's Hezb-i-Islamia political party claims that Prince Harry "kills innocent Afghans while he is drunk" and those foreign forces in Afghanistan have "failed".

The suggestion that any member of the UK Armed Forces deployed on operations operates under the influence of alcohol is simply absurd - not least because the consumption of alcohol by UK military personnel is not permitted under any circumstances while deployed in Afghanistan.

UK troops deployed and remain in Afghanistan to protect our national security by removing what was a safe haven for international terrorism.

Now, it is Afghan forces that have lead security responsibility for around 75 per cent of the population in the country and lead up to 80 per cent of conventional partnered operations.

It is this sort of progress that has allowed almost 60 per cent of UK bases in Helmand to be shut or handed over, and will allow us to leave a stronger, more secure Afghanistan when combat operations cease by the end of 2014.